An omnidirectional endoscope device 1 is provided at a distal end part
of an insertion section 12 of an endoscope 10 with an omnidirectional
light receiving unit 20 for receiving an incident light from all around
the periphery in the peripheral direction and reflecting the light toward a relay
lens optical system 13. The insertion section 12 slidably pierces
through a retaining cylinder 33. A light guide 35 (illumination light
transmitting means) is embedded in the retaining cylinder 33, and an outgoing
surface at the distal end of this light guide 35 is faced with a distal
end face of the retaining cylinder 33. The retaining cylinder 33 can
be operated in a sliding manner by a grip 31 disposed at the basal end.
By this, the illumination light can strike upon the view field of the omnidirectional
light receiving mechanism regardless whether the inside space of an image to be
observed is large or small.
